Our Daily Ocean: Day 246

Memorial Day weekend is considered the official start of beach season.  It's also the start of what any of us who clean the beach would call the "trashing of the beach".  Beach goers come in droves for their moment at the beach... and they live in the experience... but somehow a sad majority forget to respect and protect this natural wonder that they rush to visit.  Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the beach on Memorial Day (I heard the horror stories of trash lined beaches)... but I did make it out to Wrightsville Beach on Saturday evening to do a beach clean up with Bonnie Monteleone and her daughter Tricia (not pictured).

Bonnie is a good friend and a local environmental hero of mine.  Her nonprofit-- Plastic Ocean Project-- educates through field research, implements progressive outreach initiatives and is currently working on 5 solutions to address the global plastic pollution problem.  Plus she created an eye-openning art exhibit entitled "What Goes Around, Comes Around" that will be traveling across the US this summer and throughout the rest of 2014 (and hopefully beyond).  

AND... yes, there's more... for  Jack Johnson's All At Once campaign during his recent tour (happening now!), Plastic Ocean Project was chosen to be a partner to receive direct and matching donations from the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation!  Any donations made now through September 1, 2014... Jack Johnson will MATCH (doesn't matter if the donation is $1 or $100)!  

Learn more about Plastic Ocean Project (POP) and how to donate here.

Are you ready for the run down of what Bonnie and I picked up during Saturday's beach cleanup?  Here we go... from most to least items found!

Cigarette butts: 44 (this is a fantastic improvement!)

Food Wrappers: 28

Straws: 14

Toys: 10

Misc. plastics: 8

Caps: 3

Boogie boards/broken leash: 3

Zip ties: 3 (these are from the beach renourishment project)

Cups: 2

Clothing/eyeware: 2

Plasticware: 1

See the common problem?  ... PLASTIC.  Plastic. plastic....  

May 24, 2014 at Access 36

Litter by weight: 1 lb 7.1 oz

Cigarette butts: 44

Total amount of cigarette butts removed: 57,932

Our Daily Ocean: Day 245

This year, my kids and I are volunteering for NC Audubon at the far southend of Wrightsville Beach. So whenever we can, we'll be spending our time helping educate beach goers about the nesting birds and why it's so important to not disturb their nesting area.  Since the beach isn't too busy (yet), it's been a great opportunity to get myself acquainted with the nesting birds... like these Black Skimmers. (seen through a scope).

So far, we've only volunteered a few times.... but I'm loving connecting with and learning more about one of the reasons "why" we do beach cleanups.  Wrightsville Beach is these birds' home.  They start a family here... let's keep it clean. 

While we were watching the Black Skimmers, we witnessed what's called a "mob".  When disturbed-- by people, dogs, or even an Osprey flying by-- all of the birds, including those nesting, fly in a mob to scare off the threat.  The birds are willing to sacrifice their nest for the good of the flock.  So, if you're heading to accesses 43/44 at Wrightsville Beach... please pay attention to the postings that protect the shore bird nesting area.  Also, it's worth noting that there is no cut-through to Access 44 from 43.  44 can only be accessed from the Jack Parker parking lot.

May 22, 2014 at Access 44

Litter by weight: 10.7 oz 

Cigarette butts: 10

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,888

Our Daily Ocean: Day 244

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

~Lao Tzu 

Friday evening marked the beginning of our evenings at the beach AND my kids took their first dip in the ocean of 2014!  The beach renourishment is still running full force at Wrightsville Beach, but will hopefully be finished by the end of the month.  My 20 minute beach cleanup was super easy as the access 39 was SO clean.  Thanks to the WB smoke-free beach ordinance, I only picked up FIVE littered cigarette butts! 

May 16, 2014 at Access 39

Litter by weight: 2.4 oz

Cigarette butts: 5

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,878

Our Daily Ocean: Day 243

"A common misconception about people who are passionate about their values is that they expect everyone to live like them. In actuality, many of the most passionate driven people I know, are also some of the most open minded." 

 ~Alex Eaves, STAY VOCAL

Leave the criticisms and judgements behind.  Be an encourager.

May 9, 2014 at Access 43/44
Litter by weight: 1 lb 10 oz
Cigarette butts: 19

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,873

Our Daily Ocean: Day 242

"Establishing goals is all right if you don't let them deprive you of interesting detours." 

~Doug Larson

I've been taking a lot of detours lately and letting this blog sit... I'll be here full force once I find my way back.... 

May 2, 2014 at Access 44
Litter by weight: 3.8 oz
Cigarette butts: 6

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,854

Our Daily Ocean: Day 241

It has been almost exactly a month since I did my last beach clean up.  The cause?  My family and I went on a nearly 3 week camping/roadtrip throughout southwest US!  It was really really amazing... awe inspiring.  But, only having been home since Sunday... I've been taking my time and comfortably easing back into our every day routine.  Slowly but surely, I'll get back to doing more consistent beach cleanups!

Now a lot has changed since we were last at Wrightsville Beach back in March.  Today, when we walked up to Access 43, we could see dredging equipment stationed off the beach and orange plastic fencing in sections that's usually roped off for nesting shore birds. (sigh)  And from reading the Lumina News, it seems like Wrightsville Beach is going to have all the equipment for this renourishment project until the end of May!!!

While we were at the beach, I just couldn't stop thinking about the sea turtles that nest at WB.  How are they supposed to get over that huge pipe and lay their eggs??  I really don't see it happening.  I then started thinking about the nesting shore birds.  My kids and I love coming to the south end of WB during shore bird nesting season to see a greater than normal amount of birds soaring above us and listening to the sounds they make as they come together like a symphony.  I wonder how the birds will be impacted by the dredging activity right next to their nesting area?

Now, I don't know much about the renourishment process... yes, WB wasn't looking good on the sand front.... but it seems like this just isn't the right time of year for this all to be happening.  I'd like to make a suggestion that if you're concerned about the timing of this project, to take a moment and write a personal letter to the Army Corps of Engineers.  Your letter may not impact this particular renourishment project, but it could help in better planning for future projects.

Direct thoughtful, positive and polite letters to:
Colonel Steven A. Baker
Wilmington District
US Army Corps of Engineers 
69 Darlington Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403


20 minutes on April 24, 2014 at Access 43
Litter by weight: 1 lb 1.8 oz
Cigarette butts: 11

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,848

Our Daily Ocean: Day 240

For 2 months, I had planned to do a beach cleanup on March 25 while my kids had their science class at Airlie Gardens.  So when I woke up that Tuesday morning, you can imagine my disappointment when it was overcast and raining.  Thankfully, by the time my kids had their class, the rain let up and I was able to do my planned 20 minute beach cleanup! (AND no time more because as my timer went off... the rain began to fall again!)

As usual when it's an overcast rainy day, the lone people are just me on the sand and a few surfers in the water.  It makes cleaning the beach SO much easier not having to weave through people and their possessions.  That being said, I still pause at things like water bottles.  With surfers in the ocean, it's possible that a seemingly left-behind bottle of water could still have an owner.  But, I always err on the side of "reality"and pick it up.

20 minutes on March 25, 2014 at Access 19
Litter by weight: 15.2 oz
Cigarette butts: 42

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,837

Our Daily Ocean: Day 239

This afternoon, as my kids and I were talking, I mentioned that it was World Water Day.  My kids looked at me like they were waiting for me to say something more.... so, I finished with: "All life is dependent upon water.  Water IS life.  If there's anything worth celebrating, it is definitely Water."

Normally on World Water Day, I'd wax poetic about how awesome water is... no doubt it IS magic.  And the magic of water extends beyond its sustaining all life.  In some cases, water makes life more livable.  does that even make sense?  I guess, to me, it does because I'm thinking about my friends who run the non-profit Ocean Cure.  Ocean Cure utilizes the ocean by doing charity surf camps for medically fragile youth and adults because they believe in the powerful emotional and healing properties of the ocean.  It's true.

Water sustains us, but it also helps heal us.

Ocean Cure is currently in need of funding to purchase four WAVEJET battery powered surfboard systems to broaden the work they do with Life Rolls On/They Will Surf Again, Wounded Warriors, Little Pink Houses of Hope and many other medically fragile adults and children.

Learn more here:  Go Fund Ocean Cure

20 minutes on March 22, 2014 at Access 36
Litter by weight: 1 lb 1.3 oz
Cigarette butts: 40

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,795

Oh, and if you're curious about what Access 36 looked like back on March 22, 2011: Our Daily Ocean: Day 52

Our Daily Ocean: Day 238

On Tuesday, I went to Wrightsville Beach in the middle of the day and was shocked to find it completely packed (for a winter weekday).  Of course, my first thought was "doesn't anyone work in this town?"  And then it hit me... spring break for ECU, UNC and App State (and who knows what other NC universities!?).

 So, I learned a valuable lesson.  When living in a beach town, it is important to know when universities are on spring break... or just be shocked when there's no parking and the beach is packed in the middle of the week in winter!

Now, even though the beach was packed, I didn't see (or smell) anyone smoking! YAY! ... and there wasn't much litter to pick up!  In fact, even though we did our best to weave through the people sprawled out on the sand, we only picked up 5 cigarette butts!!



Clean Beach and Clear Waters: Wrightsville Beach from Wilmington and Beaches CVB on Vimeo.

... yup, first smoke-free beach in North Carolina.  And, we're STILL excited about it!

20 minutes on March 11, 2014 at Access 28
Litter by weight: 2 lbs 9.1 oz
Cigarette butts: 5

Total cigarette butts removed: 57,760

Our Daily Ocean: Day 237

“If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. 

If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. 

But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save)  the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. 

This makes it hard to plan the day." 

~ E.B. White

... and so adding to E.B. White's quote, as I always do...

"...but then I realize my desire to improve the world, is what allows me to savor it." ~me

20 minutes on March 2, 2014 at Access 25
Litter by weight: .2 oz
Cigarette butts: 18

Total cigarette butts removed: 55,755